N Organization Laboratory

Charlotte handed two clear bags over to the researcher.

“Nine, make sure we get the results in three hours, no later."

"Got it."

She glanced at the hair samples, then made her way back to the lounge, dropping onto the nearest sofa.

Jackson and Adonis exchanged a look, both frowning. Wasn't Charlotte acting a little too calm about this? One of those samples might belong to her real father.

Jackson stepped up and spoke quietly. "Franco keeps his wife under strict protection. In the entire Presidential Palace, only her doctor and a couple of personal maids have even seen her. No one knows what's really wrong with her."

"It's going to take some time to get her full medical records. Dr. David wanted me to let you know."

"Alright."

Charlotte's fingers froze for a second, then she answered with her usual laid-back tone. "We'll wait."

Wait? Jackson and Adonis glanced at each other, confused by how flat her voice sounded. She had to be just as anxious for the results as they were. If Franco was really her father, then Mrs. Hawk might actually be her mother. After all, the only story about what happened to Charlotte's mom came from Steven, and Nora's body was never even found. It was hard not to wonder. Once the DNA results were in, everything would finally be clear.

***

Meanwhile, at Apex.

Anthony's meeting had dragged on late into the night. As much as he missed Charlotte, he didn't want to risk waking her with a call.

"Anthony, all the papers are sorted," Hans said as he stepped out of the conference room. Seeing Anthony staring off into space, Hans couldn't help but frown. Anthony really did treat Charlotte like a kid. He'd just left her side, but he already looked worried, like he wanted to hop on a plane and go straight back.

"Any updates on F's background?"

"We're checking them one by one," Hans replied, following as Anthony walked. "We'll get through everyone by tomorrow, maybe sooner."

So far, two-thirds were already ruled out. If none of the remaining names matched, they'd hit a dead end.

Anthony lit a cigarette, watching the smoke drift upward. After a moment, he spoke, voice low. "Look into Franco."

Franco? Was Anthony just

suspicious because of the 'F' in his name? It seemed unlikely Franco had arrived in Solenja äfter Charlotte, was born. It didn't quite add up. Still, if Anthony wanted it checked, he must have a reason.

***

Charlotte played a few rounds of her game, but it didn't help her nerves. She ended

up pacing outside for a while before heading back to the lab just as the time was up.

The door opened, and a staffer in a white lab coat came over, holding a folder. "Nine, the results are ready."

Charlotte lifted her head lazily at his voice. Before she could even react, Jackson and Adonis rushed over, staring at the report like it might bite.

She put her phone away, stood up, and took the folder from the staffer. Her eyes dropped as she ran her

thumb over the cover, then she

opened it without a word. Sheel

skipped straight over the data

analysis, going right to the last page and the verdict.

[Based on DNA testing at 15 genetic markers, the probability of a biological relationship between these two individuals is 33.3%.]

[Conclusion: No father-daughter relationship.]

Charlotte stared at the result, not sure how to feel. There was definitely a touch of disappointment.

Jackson and Adonis read the verdict

too. They stood by her, silent, their faces bleak: It wasn't about any money from Franco, It was just...if Francowasn't related to Charlotte, that probably meant Mrs. Hawk wasn't Nora either.

The hall felt painfully quiet for a moment.

Adonis opened his mouth to speak, but nothing came out. Except for when she was with Anthony, Charlotte always seemed so calm and distant, impossible to read, like nothing ever got through to her.